Pocket money to smart money — start your journey with Cash Cool!
Title: Cash Cool: A Teen’s Guide to Mastering Money in India
Author: Jigar Gaglani
ISBN: 9789363558229
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
Managing money is a skill, but unfortunately, it is one that most of us are never taught during our school years. For many teenagers in India, the first brush with money comes through pocket money or small gifts during festivals. With the sudden rise of UPI payments, online shopping, and instant gratification, today’s teens are growing up in a financial environment that is more complex than ever before. Jigar Gaglani’s new book, Cash Cool: A Teen’s Guide to Mastering Money in India, arrives at exactly the right time to fill this gap.
This book is not your typical financial guide filled with jargon, charts, and complicated theories. Instead, Gaglani takes on the role of a friendly mentor—almost like an elder sibling—who shares practical tips and relatable stories that make learning about money easy and enjoyable. Written in simple language, the book speaks directly to Indian teens, without being condescending or preachy.
What Makes Cash Cool Stand Out?
The most refreshing aspect of the book is its relatable Indian context. Most financial advice books for young people are written from a Western perspective and talk about things that don’t always apply here. Gaglani changes this by weaving in day-to-day Indian examples. Instead of abstract theories, he talks about:
Buying a chai with UPI instead of carrying loose change.
Saving up for a Goa trip with friends instead of spending impulsively.
Resisting the temptation of a Flipkart sale where “discounts” are often designed to make you spend more.
By rooting these lessons in familiar scenarios, the author makes sure that the ideas stick with readers.
Key Lessons in the Book
One of the highlights is how Gaglani introduces the 50-30-20 budgeting rule in the simplest way possible. Instead of bombarding readers with numbers, he explains how teens can divide their pocket money—50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings. He also explains how even small savings can grow big over time when invested wisely.
The chapters gradually progress from the basics of handling pocket money to slightly advanced concepts like Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). For a teenager, SIPs may sound intimidating, but Gaglani breaks it down in such a way that it feels like a natural next step. Equally important are the lessons on digital safety—especially in the era of UPI payments and online scams. The book teaches young readers how to be alert and avoid common traps.
Stories That Connect
Rather than being a dry manual, the book introduces relatable teen characters like Aisha, Rohan, and Divya, who face everyday financial dilemmas. Through their stories, readers see how choices play out in real life—whether it’s saving up, spending impulsively, or learning from mistakes. These stories make the book feel like a conversation rather than a lecture.
A Family Learning Experience
Another unique touch is the inclusion of parental tips. This transforms Cash Cool into more than just a teen guide; it becomes a shared learning journey for parents and children. Parents who often struggle with explaining financial concepts to their children will find these tips very useful.
Writing Style
The writing style is light, fun, and conversational. Jigar Gaglani avoids sounding like a financial advisor in a suit. Instead, he writes as if he is talking to a younger sibling, making jokes, giving real-life hacks, and breaking down intimidating terms into bite-sized lessons. The tone is encouraging, which makes readers feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.
Why Every Teen Should Read This Book
Teenagers in India today are surrounded by advertisements, easy loans, and instant credit options, but very few resources teach them how to handle money responsibly. Cash Cool fills this gap beautifully. It teaches financial literacy without making it boring, and more importantly, it makes the reader feel confident about handling money in the real world.
For teens, this book is like a roadmap to financial independence. For parents, it is a tool to guide their children toward smart money habits. And for teachers, it can serve as an excellent supplementary resource to introduce financial education in schools.
Final Verdict
Cash Cool: A Teen’s Guide to Mastering Money in India is not just another self-help book—it is a timely and much-needed guide for the next generation of Indians. With its relatable examples, fun storytelling, and practical advice, it is a book that every Indian teenager should read at least once before stepping into adulthood.
Jigar Gaglani deserves appreciation for creating a book that is simple yet powerful, lighthearted yet deeply impactful. Whether you are a teenager trying to manage your pocket money, a parent who wants to raise financially responsible kids, or an educator looking for the right teaching tool, Cash Cool is a must-have on your bookshelf.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
A fun, practical, and totally desi guide that turns the serious subject of money into a cool conversation.
Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/dp/9363558223
